That was Jersey: Occupation: Vibert's report: Conditions: General items

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Occupation - Conditions in Jersey 1941

General items

When Denis Vibert arrived in England in 1941 following his successful escape from Jersey, his reports of conditions in the Island were written and circulated. This document is reproduced in these pages.

Crowds are not allowed to gather. Church life carries on provided no political sermons are preached. The German authorities put a notice in the paper to the effect that in Church the people were allowed to pray for the King and Queen and the British Commonwealth of Nations.

The "Evening Post" is still published although controlled by the Germans, but the "Morning News" is no longer printed. Some of the messages sent from England are printed in the "Evening Post". The periodical called "The Islander" is still published.

The Islanders are allowed to listen to the B.B.C. broadcasts, but such is the effect of German propaganda and our news service that they think that we are also badly off for food and that the bombing has been much worse that it actually has been. There are no dry batteries for radios but accumulators can still be bought.

Dances are forbidden. At least two cinemas are open during the week, most of the pictures being German ones or German propaganda. They have English captions. A few English picture raked up in France have been shown.

There is low-water fishing; boat fishing is only permitted to a few under armed escort, the fishermen having to keep within 300 yards of the patrol boat. There are five French fishing boats stationed in the harbour to fish for the Germans.

The people are keeping surprisingly healthy, although many are losing weight. The people who suffer most are the working classes.

There is an infrequent boat service to France and between the Islands, but Islanders may only travel for business reasons and by obtaining a permit from the Germans.

There is no liquor of any description other than a little French wine and cider. There are no razor blades and the open-blade razors are being used.

During the last year there has been the longest drought, and the wettest month (August 1941) for about fifty years, while the greatest gale ever known was experienced.